Name: Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 4 h 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken tenders tendons removed; 5-6 cups vegetable oil for frying; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup cornstarch; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika

There’s something magical about perfectly fried chicken strips — crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. This Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe inspired by Raising Cane’s will have you craving that golden, seasoned crunch every time you take a bite.

A white tray with seven golden, crispy fried chicken tenders spread out around a small black bowl filled with light brown dipping sauce with black pepper specks; one chicken tender is partly dipped into the sauce, held by a woman's hand. Above the bowl and chicken tenders, there is a portion of crinkle-cut French fries in a pale yellow color. To the right of the fries and chicken, a piece of toasted white bread with a shiny, golden-brown surface rests on the tray. The tray lies on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth peeking from the bottom edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of chicken tenders in my kitchen, but this recipe really stands out for its incredible texture and flavor. The double breading trick combined with a buttermilk marinade makes all the difference - it’s like having your favorite takeout right at home!

Flavor-packed marinade: The buttermilk soak infuses the tenders with tender juiciness and subtle spices.
Crispy double coating: A mix of flour and cornstarch ensures a flaky, crunchy crust every time.
Perfect frying technique: Maintaining oil at 350°F gives you evenly cooked, golden-brown tenders.
Great homemade alternative: Skip the drive-thru and enjoy a classic American favorite made fresh in your kitchen.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this recipe, you’ll want fresh chicken tenders and pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Grab good-quality buttermilk and spices that build layers of flavor, plus a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for the best crispy coating.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders with visible texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy buttermilk, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine all-purpose flour, another small white ceramic bowl holding white cornstarch powder, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, small white bowls with vibrant ground black pepper, bright paprika powder, aromatic onion powder, and garlic powder, a few pinches of coarse salt scattered neatly in a small white bowl, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken tenders: Use fresh tenders trimmed of tendons so they cook evenly and stay tender.
Vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point perfect for frying.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy flavor in the marinade.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances every bite.
Onion and garlic powder: Provide savory depth without overpowering the chicken.
Paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth and a beautiful golden color.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the breading, creating structure for the crust.
Cornstarch: Gives an extra light, crispy texture to the coating that flakes beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe is how adaptable it is to your tastes and dietary preferences! Whether you're craving something spicy, looking to lighten it up, or want to add your own flair, there’s plenty of room to get creative.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a tantalizing heat that perfectly complements the crispy crust.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a crispy, gluten-free coating that doesn’t compromise on crunch.
Herb-Infused: Mix in some dried thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the breading mix for an earthy, herbaceous twist that brings a fresh note to each bite.
Oven “Fried” Version: If you’d rather skip frying, try baking the breaded tenders at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for a crispy, lighter result, though nothing beats the original method for crispiness!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

A close-up image shows a crispy golden brown fried chicken tender being dipped into a light peach-colored creamy sauce inside a small black bowl, with the chicken's crunchy texture clearly visible. The chicken tender is held by a person's fingers from the top right corner, dipping into the smooth sauce that clings to the chicken. Surrounding the bowl, there are more fried chicken tenders scattered tightly together on a white tray, along with some pale yellow crinkle-cut fries on the left and a piece of golden cornbread behind the fries. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Tenderize and Trim Your Chicken

Start by trimming the 2 pounds of chicken tenders, carefully removing the tendons. This ensures a tender bite every time. Placing the chicken in a large bowl gets you ready for the next step: marination. Taking this time really pays off, so don’t rush!

Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Juiciness

Pour in 2 cups of buttermilk along with 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Give everything a good toss so every tender is fully coated. Then cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours — ideally up to 24 hours — to really let those flavors soak in and keep the chicken juicy and tender.

Step 3: Get Your Oil and Breading Ready

About 30 minutes before frying, pour 5-6 cups of vegetable oil into a large, deep pot—enough to be about 2 inches deep. Heat on high until it reaches 350°F, the perfect frying temperature. Meanwhile, whisk together your breading—2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup cornstarch, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika—in a large bowl. This flavorful, double-layered coating is what gives these tenders that iconic crispy crunch.

Step 4: Double Dredge for That Flaky Crunch

One at a time, pick up each chicken tender from the marinade, letting any excess drip off to avoid clumps. Dredge thoroughly in the breading mixture, pressing the coating on firmly with your hands. Then dip back into the marinade and again into the flour mixture to create that irresistible double crust. This extra step is key to achieving the Raising Cane's-inspired crispy exterior.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Fry the breaded tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking them for 5-7 minutes total and flipping halfway through. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F for safe, juicy chicken. You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully golden brown and you can smell that incredible seasoning crisping up.

Step 6: Drain and Serve Right Away

Transfer the tender, crispy tenders onto a baking pan lined with paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil. The wire rack helps keep the crust crisp instead of soggy. Serve immediately alongside your favorite crinkle-cut fries and some homemade Cane’s Sauce to get that authentic Raising Cane’s experience. Get your napkins ready — these go fast!

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the art of perfectly crispy and juicy chicken tenders, just like the classic Raising Cane’s style!

Marinate Thoroughly: Leaving your chicken tenders to soak in that flavorful buttermilk marinade for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, makes all the difference in tenderness and taste.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep your frying oil steady at 350°F to ensure the tenders cook evenly with a golden, crispy crust without becoming greasy.
Double Breading Magic: That extra dip back into the marinade before a second flour coating creates the flaky crust that sets this Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe apart.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches to avoid temperature drops — overcrowding leads to soggy tenders instead of crispy perfection.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding several raw light pink chicken strips arranged loosely. On top of the chicken, there are four separate piles of powdered spices in colors of orange, reddish-brown, black, and white, positioned near the center of the chicken. Thick white milk is being poured into the bowl from a glass measuring cup at the top left, creating a smooth white layer over part of the chicken and spices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a bit of freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens these fried beauties perfectly, balancing the richness.

Side Dishes

Nothing complements these tenders better than some classic crinkle-cut fries and the signature Cane’s sauce. For a twist, try coleslaw, mac and cheese, or even a crisp garden salad to add some freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep in mind, the breading may soften a bit over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Freezing

Once your chicken tenders have cooled completely on a wire rack, freeze them on the rack for 2-3 hours to prevent sogginess, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For softer breading, microwave your leftovers for 1-2 minutes. If you want to crisp them back up, air fry at 360°F for 6-8 minutes (flipping halfway) or bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through the reheating time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders for this recipe?

Absolutely! If using chicken breast, slice it into strips similar in size to tenders. Just be sure to adjust the frying time slightly and check for an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

What can I substitute for buttermilk in the marinade?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using. This homemade substitute works great for tenderizing and flavor.

How do I ensure my chicken tenders stay crispy after frying?

Drain fried tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep air circulating around them, which helps retain crispiness. Also, avoid covering them while hot, as trapped steam can cause sogginess.

Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?

While this Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe is designed for frying to achieve that signature golden crust, you can bake them for a healthier option. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, but the texture will be slightly different from deep-fried.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about homemade crispy chicken tenders, especially when they capture that perfect balance of juicy inside and crunchy outside, just like Raising Cane’s. With this recipe and a little patience during that marinating time, you’re well on your way to creating dinner that everyone will ask to eat again. So gather your ingredients, heat up that oil, and enjoy the crunch and flavor with family and friends!